Dong Van Stone Plateau is a UNESCO Global Geopark in northern Vietnam, famous for its distinctive limestone karst formations and complex geological history. The interactive scene above shows the plateau's rolling terrain with selectable geological visualization modes: toggle between time-based color bands and rock-type classifications to explore the different geological periods and formation types.
Location
Ha Giang Province, northern Vietnam
Area
About 2,432 sq km (Vietnam's largest geopark)
Height
800 - 1,600 m above sea level
Oldest rock
About 500 million years old (Ordovician limestone)
UNESCO status
Global Geopark since 2010
Main geology
Paleozoic karst limestone formations, tropical stone landscape
Note: This is a schematic educational visualization, not a survey-accurate relief map. Terrain bands show relative elevation and age zones.
Dong Van Stone Plateau 3D Explorer
Last reviewed: 2026-07-31 | By: Places 3D Discovery Loop
The Dong Van Stone Plateau in northern Vietnam is a UNESCO Global Geopark, famous for its Paleozoic limestone formations and tropical karst landscape. The plateau covers about 2,432 sq km across Ha Giang Province and stands 800 to 1,600 meters above sea level. The oldest rocks here date back about 500 million years to the Ordovician period, shaped into distinctive stone formations over millennia. Use the toggles to explore the geological time bands and rock-type color variations across the plateau.
Fact
Value
Location
Ha Giang Province, northern Vietnam, near the Chinese border
UNESCO status
Global Geopark since 2010
Area
About 2,432 sq km (Vietnam's largest geopark)
Elevation range
800-1,600 m above sea level
Geological age
Paleozoic to Cenozoic (about 500 million to 2.6 million years)
Main rock type
Limestone, dolomite, shale, sandstone
Main formation
Tropical karst plateau with stone pinnacles and eroded valleys
Dong Van Stone Plateau is in Ha Giang Province in northern Vietnam, near the Chinese border. It covers about 2,432 sq km and is the largest geopark in Vietnam.
How old is the rock at Dong Van Plateau?
The oldest rocks here date back about 500 million years to the Ordovician period. The plateau has undergone continuous geological change and erosion since then, with newer rocks overlaying and interspersing the ancient limestone formations.
Why is it called a "stone plateau"?
The Dong Van Plateau is known as a stone plateau because its landscape is dominated by limestone and karst formations - rocky outcrops and pinnacles characteristic of karst terrain. The plateau surface is covered with these stone features rather than the soil and vegetation typical of regular plateaus.
Is Dong Van Plateau a UNESCO World Heritage site?
Yes, Dong Van Stone Plateau became a UNESCO Global Geopark in 2010. It was recognized for its geological significance, with rocks representing a 500-million-year geological history and outstanding examples of karst landforms.
Can you visit Dong Van Plateau?
Yes, Dong Van Plateau is open to visitors. The geopark includes hiking trails, local homestays, and scenic viewpoints. The plateau is also part of the "Ha Giang Loop" motorcycle route, popular with adventure travelers exploring northern Vietnam.
